Morning Word: Tax Revenues Offset Weak Oil Prices

Stronger state economy generates new revenue

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il prices are bouncing back, but it's new tax revenue that’s saving the day. That, plus it looks like suborbital flight traffic could get a little more congested at Spaceport America by 2017. Comedian Dave Chappelle could be headed back to Santa Fe to testify in the alleged banana-tosser’s criminal case.

It's Thursday, May 14, 2015

Despite a decline in oil prices, New Mexico’s economy appears to be stabilizing. Vik Jolly has the numbers.  An increase in tax revenue appears to be driving the more optimistic outlook.

 Read it at ABQ Business First.  Still, New Mexico continues to lag the country in job growth. Read it at the New Mexico Political Report.  Spaceport America’s plan to generate additional revenue has been approved.

The Associated Press has more.  Santa Fe County commissioners have extended county manager Katherine Miller’s contract. She’ll also see a 3 percent pay raise soon. Read it at the Santa Fe New Mexican. New Mexico Environment Department secretary Ryan Flynn discussed the new $73 million WIPP settlement with the Los Alamos Daily Post .

Read it here.  Las Cruces Public Schools officials plan to host several town hall meetings to discuss budget cuts, job furloughs and transportation issues. Read it here.  Public regulation commissioners say the Public Service Company of New Mexico will have to refile their rate increase request. Yesterday, the PRC unanimously rejected the utility's original application to increase rates by up to 16 percent was Santa Fe Mayor Javier Gonzales applauded the decision.

Read more at SFR.  US Rep. Michelle Lujan Grisham claims she did not know the funding source behind her congressional trip to Azerbaijan in 2013 but says it was preapproved by the ethics office in Washington. Read more at the ABQ Free Press.  Second Judicial District Attorney Kari Brandenburg wants an audit to determine the certification of about 100 Albuquerque police officers. Read it at the New Mexico Political Report.  Christian Englander, who allegedly threw a banana peel at comedian David Chappelle during a comedy performance in Santa Fe last month, was back in court. His attorney says he’ll ask for the case to be dismissed. Read it at the Santa Fe New Mexican. Dangerous binge drinking is on the rise among young people, despite lower consumption overall. Read it at KOB.com  The Food and Drug Administration could begin easing blood donation restrictions by gay people soon. The restrictions were put on during the onset of the AIDS epidemic years ago.

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